Introduction
Hotel Giardino is a family‑run hotel located in Lacona, on the southern side of Elba Island. Set in a 30 000 m² pine forest, it is less than 100 m from the long sandy beach of Lacona. The article emphasises that July is the liveliest month on Elba: the days are long and sunny, the sea is warm and there are many events. This guide aims to help visitors plan a July holiday, presenting the hotel’s special offers and answering the most common questions .
Why choose Hotel Giardino
The article lists several reasons to stay at Hotel Giardino in July :
- Location – The hotel is at Lacona beach, one of the island’s longest bays with golden sand and shallow water; this makes it ideal for families with children.
- Private park – A large pine wood surrounds the hotel, providing shade and tranquillity; there is a playground and space to relax.
- Comfortable rooms – Rooms are simple but comfortable, with private bathroom, satellite TV, telephone and safe; most have air conditioning and a veranda or balcony .
- Genuine cuisine – The restaurant offers a buffet breakfast and home‑style lunches and dinners featuring local ingredients . Menus can be adapted for intolerances or children, and there are weekly barbecues .
- Family atmosphere – Being family‑run, the hotel has a friendly atmosphere; there is a bar, veranda and games for children .
- Free parking and Wi‑Fi – Guests have free parking and Wi‑Fi .
- Strategic location – From Lacona it takes 10–15 minutes by car to reach main towns such as Portoferraio, Capoliveri or Porto Azzurro, and the hotel is near the trail to Capo Stella .
- Special agreements – The hotel offers discounts on ferry tickets (20–35 %) and collaborates with sporting events like the Capoliveri Legend Cup .
- Note on facilities – The hotel has no swimming pool but compensates with its proximity to the sea and large park. Pets are welcome and should be declared when booking; check‑in is from 14:00 and check‑out by 10:00 .
Rooms and services
The hotel has double, triple and quadruple rooms arranged in three small buildings to guarantee privacy and quiet. Rooms include :
- Private bathroom with shower; many bathrooms are recently renovated with glass shower box and modern fixtures.
- Air conditioning or ceiling fan .
- Satellite TV, telephone and safe .
- Free Wi‑Fi in rooms and common areas .
- Independent entrance with veranda or balcony .
- Daily cleaning and simple décor, with coloured walls and functional furniture .
Included services offered to all guests are :
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free private parking inside the property |
| Reception | Staffed from 08:00–21:00 with check‑in from 14:00 and check‑out by 10:00 |
| Gardens and barbecue | Park with tables, benches and barbecue area for picnics |
| Veranda and dining room | Covered veranda for outdoor meals and air‑conditioned indoor dining room |
| Bar | Serves drinks and snacks |
| Playground | Playground, table tennis and table football for children |
| Bike rental | Possibility to rent bikes; agreements with scooter/car rental services |
| Packed lunch | Packed lunches for excursions |
| Pets | Pets allowed on request |
Cuisine
The restaurant serves home‑style Elban and Tuscan cuisine :
- Breakfast buffet – Homemade cakes, croissants, jams, fresh bread, yoghurt, fruit, savoury options and hot beverages .
- Lunch and dinner – Menus include fresh pasta, fish, meat and vegetables prepared with quality local ingredients . The kitchen can prepare dishes for allergies and intolerances, and offers menus for children.
- Barbecues – Weekly barbecue evenings in the garden or veranda .
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the hotel
The article answers common questions about staying at Hotel Giardino. Key points include :
- Pool – There is no swimming pool, but the hotel is less than 100 m from Lacona beach, making a pool unnecessary .
- Pets – Pets are welcome; guests must inform the hotel when booking .
- Parking – Free private parking is available .
- Check‑in/out times – Check‑in from 14:00; check‑out by 10:00 .
- Air conditioning – Most rooms have air conditioning; others have ceiling fans .
- Ferry discounts – The hotel provides discount codes (20–35 %) for Moby and Toremar ferries via Traghettilines .
- Family offers – Children under 3 stay free; older children receive discounts. There is a playground and games .
- Sports lovers – The hotel supports sports events like the Capoliveri Legend Cup and Elbaman Triathlon, offering bike storage and packed lunches .
About Elba Island
Elba is the third largest Italian island (223 km²) and lies about 10 km off the Tuscan coast. It is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park and includes seven municipalities: Portoferraio, Campo nell’Elba, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro, Marciana, Marciana Marina and Rio. The highest point is Monte Capanne (1 019 m), which provides spectacular views . Elba has around 32 000 inhabitants (2019) and its landscapes range from sandy beaches and rocky inlets to villages, Medici fortresses, mines and mountain paths .
The island’s history includes Etruscan iron mining, followed by Roman exploitation. During the Middle Ages it was contested by Pisa, Genoa and Spain; Cosimo I dei Medici built the impressive fortifications of Portoferraio. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to Elba in 1814 for ten months and left a strong legacy by reorganising the administration, creating a flag and building roads and theatres .
How to reach Elba
Ferries connect the mainland (Piombino and San Vincenzo) to Elba, operated by Moby, Toremar and Blu Navy. The crossing takes roughly an hour. Hotel Giardino offers discount codes to book ferries cheaply and suggests arriving with a car, though scooters and bicycles can be rented on the island . An alternative is to fly to Marina di Campo airport, with seasonal flights from Milan Linate, Pisa, Florence and several European cities. The airport is about 20 minutes from the hotel .
When to visit and climate
The article describes the climate and the best periods to visit Elba :
- Summer (June–September) – Temperatures of 24–30 °C; the sea is warm and days are long. July is the peak beach season with many sports events and lively evenings.
- Spring (April–May) – Mild climate ideal for hiking and biking; flowers in bloom.
- Autumn (October–November) – Quiet months with colourful landscapes and local festivals such as the Grape Festival.
- Winter – Mild temperatures suitable for visiting museums and walking in forests without crowds; the hotel remains open all year.
Excursions and activities
Family excursions
For families with children, the article suggests the following places and activities :
- Lacona beach – Long sandy beach with shallow water and various services (bars, umbrellas, water sports). Ideal for children to play and swim.
- Laconella – A small bay with calm water; good for snorkelling and accessible via a path from Lacona.
- Capo Stella loop – An easy 6.6 km loop (approx. 217 m of elevation gain) offering views over Lacona and Golfo Stella.
- Capoliveri Sea Museum – Exhibits artefacts from the wreck of the steamship Polluce and local maritime history.
- Margidore / Bagni Lacona – Pebble beaches near Lacona with clear water, snorkeling and a play area.
Tips for families include wearing hats and sunscreen, carrying water and snacks, and visiting beaches early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat .
Excursions for couples
Couples looking for romantic experiences can enjoy :
- Sunset walk to Capo Stella – Follow trail 258 along the headland to watch the sun set over Lacona and Stella bays.
- Cable car to Monte Capanne – Ride the cable car from Marciana to the island’s highest peak and enjoy twilight views.
- Dinner in Porto Azzurro – The harbour village offers romantic seafront restaurants just a 15‑minute drive from the hotel.
- Mini‑cruise – Boats from Marina di Campo or Porto Azzurro visit beaches like Fetovaia and Cavoli along the south‑west coast; some cruises include dinner and a swim at sunset.
- Wine and gastronomy – Tasting local wines such as Ansonica at wineries in Capoliveri and discovering traditional dishes.
Routes for experienced hikers
The island offers several challenging trails :
- Monte Capanne trail 101 – A 9 km route with 785 m elevation gain (5.5–6 hours) from Marciana to the summit, rewarded with panoramic views. Alternatively, take the cable car.
- Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE) – Long‑distance path crossing Elba. Segments near Lacona include Via dei Rosmarini (from Marina di Campo to Lacona) and Via dei Lecci (from Lacona to Procchio).
- Monte Calamita and the mines – Trails around the old magnetite mines of Capoliveri, including the Calamita Trail and loops through the Capoliveri Bike Park.
- Via ferrata on Monte Capanne – For experienced climbers with helmets and harnesses; advisable to hire a guide.
Hikers should wear proper footwear, bring water and snacks, check the weather and avoid midday heat in July .
Sea excursions and water sports
The guide lists several sea‑based activities :
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Pianosa day trip | Boat excursion lasting 7–8 hours from Marina di Campo or Porto Azzurro; includes a guided visit to the former penal colony and snorkelling in the marine reserve |
| Dolphin‑watching tour | 3–4 hour boat trip from Marina di Campo in search of dolphins and other marine life |
| Snorkelling at Lacona | Explore the Posidonia seagrass meadows at the ends of the beach; equipment available to rent |
| Sunset cruise | Evening cruise lasting 2–3 hours with aperitivo and views of the Gulf of Lacona at dusk |
| Kayak & SUP rental | Rent kayaks or stand‑up paddleboards for 1–2 hours to explore the coast independently |
| Sailing, windsurf and kitesurf courses | Lessons available in July for all levels |
Seasonal activities and events
Elba hosts numerous sporting and cultural events throughout the year :
- Summer – Sailing regattas, windsurf and kitesurf courses, open‑air markets and evening concerts enliven the villages. In July there are major competitions like the Capoliveri Legend Cup mountain bike race and the Elbaman Triathlon . Evenings feature markets and live music in Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro and Capoliveri .
- Autumn – Festivals celebrate grapes, chestnuts and new olive oil; the Festa dell’Uva in Capoliveri is a highlight .
- Winter & Spring – Cultural events, trail‑running races and guided hikes take place; photography courses and nature outings are organised, and the island is quiet .
Places to visit near Lacona
The article summarises nearby destinations accessible from Hotel Giardino :
| Destination | Distance (approx.) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Capoliveri | 2 km (5 min) | Hilltop village with narrow alleys (“chiassi”), lively streets and the Sea Museum; nearby beaches like Innamorata and the mining museum in the old magnetite mines |
| Porto Azzurro | 12 km (15 min) | Fishing village with a Spanish fortress (Forte di San Giacomo), seafront promenade and a small aquarium |
| Portoferraio | 17 km (20 min) | Capital of Elba with Medici fortresses, Napoleonic residences (Villa dei Mulini and Villa San Martino), museums and beaches such as Sansone and Le Ghiaie |
| Marciana & Marciana Marina | 25 km (30 min) | Mountain village and harbour town; the cable car to Monte Capanne departs from Marciana; butterfly sanctuary trail nearby |
| Monte Perone / Sant’Andrea | ~30 km | Mountain area with the butterfly trail and panoramic views of the northwest coast |
| Pianosa | 14 km by sea | Small island and marine reserve reachable by day trip boat; includes a visit to the former prison and snorkelling |
Additional suggestions include the Costa del Calamita with beaches like Straccoligno, Naregno and Innamorata and the magnetite mines, as well as the western beaches of Fetovaia and Cavoli, and the Volterraio Castle overlooking Portoferraio .
Itinerary ideas for a week
The article proposes a seven‑day itinerary and encourages guests to customise it :
- Day 1 – Arrival and relaxation: After arriving, settle in at the hotel, relax in the pine forest or on Lacona beach and enjoy dinner at the hotel or in Capoliveri.
- Day 2 – Lacona & Laconella: Spend the day between Lacona beach and the quieter Laconella bay; in the evening, stroll and have dinner in Capoliveri .
- Day 3 – Capo Stella hike: Walk the Capo Stella loop for views of both sides of the peninsula; enjoy a picnic lunch and return for games or relaxation .
- Day 4 – Porto Azzurro & mini‑cruise: Visit Porto Azzurro in the morning; in the afternoon take a mini‑cruise to beaches like Fetovaia and Cavoli or a dolphin‑watching trip; dine at a seaside restaurant .
- Day 5 – Mountain trek: Choose between a hike up Monte Capanne or the cable car; visit Castello Pisano in Marciana and enjoy a rustic dinner .
- Day 6 – Portoferraio & Sansone: Tour the Napoleonic residences and Medici fortresses in Portoferraio; relax at Sansone beach in the afternoon .
- Day 7 – Pianosa or relaxation: Take a boat to Pianosa for a guided excursion and snorkelling, or spend the day relaxing on the beach or tasting local wines; finish with a farewell dinner .
History and culture
Elba has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but its fame comes from iron mining. The Etruscans were the first to exploit the iron deposits; the Romans continued and built villas such as the Villa delle Grotte and industrial installations in the mines at Rio. During the Middle Ages the island was contested by Pisa, Genoa and the Principality of Piombino and later by Spain. To protect the Tuscan coast from pirates, Cosimo I de’ Medici planned and built the fortified city of Portoferraio with walls and bastions. In 1814 Napoleon Bonaparte spent ten months on Elba during his first exile, leaving a strong imprint by reorganising the administration, introducing a flag and building roads, a theatre and his villas .
Traditions and folklore
Elba’s calendar is rich in traditional festivals :
- Festa dell’Uva (October) – Capoliveri’s grape festival features decorated streets, costumed parades and wine tastings.
- Festa di San Giovanni (June) – Portoferraio celebrates the patron saint of the city with a religious procession and fireworks.
- Processione del Cristo Nero (Marciana Marina, July) – A maritime procession with a black crucifix carried on boats.
- Sagre gastronomiche – Food festivals dedicated to wild boar, fish, chestnuts and local products held in various villages.
Cuisine and wines
The local cuisine combines sea and land flavours :
- Cacciucco – Spicy fish soup from the Livorno tradition, made with mixed fish and tomato.
- Gurguglione – Summer vegetable stew similar to ratatouille.
- Schiaccia briaca – Rich cake with nuts and dried fruit, traditionally moistened with Aleatico wine; served at Christmas.
- Sportella and Cerimito – Sweet Easter breads flavoured with aniseed and mint.
- Grilled fish – Fresh catch such as sea bream, sea bass and squid cooked simply over charcoal.
Elba’s wines include Aleatico dell’Elba (sweet red), Vermentino and Ansonica whites, and Alicante reds; Capoliveri’s vineyards produce notable Ansonica .
Questions and answers about the island and excursions
The article provides concise answers to frequent questions :
- Do I need a car? A car is recommended but not essential. Public buses connect major towns, and the hotel cooperates with scooter and bike rentals .
- Which beaches are quieter in July? Suggestions include Margidore (pebbles and clear water), Cala dell’Inferno near Capoliveri (reachable on foot and good for snorkelling) and Sansone near Portoferraio with turquoise water .
- How to book a trip to Pianosa? Boats depart from Marina di Campo and Porto Azzurro; places are limited and must be reserved in advance; the trip includes a guided tour .
- Is hiking Monte Capanne difficult? You can reach the summit either via the trail 101 for moderately trained hikers or by the cable car from Marciana .
- Which villages can be visited in one day? Good combinations are Porto Azzurro in the morning and Capoliveri in the afternoon; or Portoferraio with La Biodola beach; or Marciana Alta and Marciana Marina with the cable car to Monte Capanne .
- Are the waters safe for snorkeling and diving? Yes: the sea is clean; dive centres operate in Lacona, Fetovaia and Capo Bianco; respect protected zones, especially around Pianosa .
- What events take place in July? Major events include the Capoliveri Legend Cup and Elbaman Triathlon; there are evening markets in Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro and Capoliveri, and village festivals in Rio nell’Elba (St James & St Quirico) and Marciana (St Cristino) .
- Does the hotel accept groups and school trips? Yes: the hotel can host groups and school camps and offers exclusive use in the low season .
Practical tips
For a comfortable holiday on Elba, the article recommends :
- Packing – Bring swimsuits, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes for walking and trekking, a light jacket, backpack, water bottle and snacks; a snorkel mask and optionally a thin wetsuit are useful for snorkelling and diving .
- Getting around – A car gives maximum freedom; local buses (CTT Nord) connect towns, and summer “Marebus” shuttles run to beaches. Bicycles and mountain bikes can be rented, and taxi boats operate to remote beaches .
- Respecting the environment – Do not collect sand, pebbles or flowers; avoid lighting fires outside designated areas; respect fully protected areas like Pianosa and Montecristo; dispose of rubbish in the correct recycling bins .
Why book with Hotel Giardino
Reasons highlighted for choosing Hotel Giardino include :
- Family tradition – The hotel has been run by the same family for over 40 years, guaranteeing hospitality and continuity.
- Proximity to the beach – The pine forest borders the beach; guests can reach the sea in a few minutes without roads to cross .
- Private park – A 30 000 m² pine wood offers shade, silence and spaces for children’s games .
- Family services – Rooms suitable for families, playground, children’s menu and baby‑friendly schedule .
- Offers and partnerships – Competitive prices, ferry discounts and agreements with sports events .
- Strategic location – Central base for exploring the island, equidistant from the main towns and near hiking trails .
- Organised excursions – The staff can arrange tours, excursions and personalised itineraries .
Contact information and booking
Hotel Giardino is located at Viale dei Golfi 936, Lacona – Capoliveri. Telephone: (+39) 0565 964 683 / (+39) 338 800 7325; Email: info@elbahotelgiardino.it. For bookings, the article suggests contacting the hotel directly or through their website, providing the number of people, ages of children, pets and any extra services. The staff will prepare a personalised offer with clear cancellation policy .
Conclusion
Elba Island offers a unique combination of sea, mountains, history and traditions within a short distance. In July the island is vibrant with events and warm waters. Hotel Giardino provides an ideal base for families, couples and outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its green setting next to the beach, comfortable rooms, genuine cuisine and special promotions. Visitors are invited to relax in the shade of the pine forest, explore the trails, swim in turquoise water, taste local dishes and discover the rich culture of this small jewel in the Tyrrhenian Sea .